EllenEveBaz Posted September 26, 2014 Share Posted September 26, 2014 Quote Ellen, with brindle Milo and the blonde ballerina, Gelsey remembering Eve, Baz, Scout, Romie, Nutmeg, and Jeter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vjui Posted September 26, 2014 Author Share Posted September 26, 2014 Just returned from visiting Frappy in the ICU. Today the swelling on her leg progressed rapidly. It has spontaneously drained in several areas (I thought they did fasciotomies on her!) The surgeon is concerned that the leg may not be viable. If amputation is indicated, she is a poor anesthetic risk due to her compromised condition. Also the intensivist says that a front leg amputation is much more difficult than a rear leg amputation because 60% of the dog's weight is carried in the front, as well as the head. Multiple specialists have seen Frappuccino today and they are all very concerned about her. I asked if this was it: is it time to let her go? She said she did not want to sway me one way or another. That the decision had to be ours alone. It was not wrong to keep on going , neither is it wrong to stop now. If we decided to keep trying, the recovery would be very difficult and long. They are just frustrated because they can't get on top of the infection. After many tears, my DH and I have decided that barring a miraculous turnaround tomorrow, we will be helping her cross the bridge. Our hearts are beyond broken, compounded by the fact that we are headed to my father-in-law's memorial service this weekend. It was so sad tonight, gazing into her eyes. Her neuro status has improved so much: her eyes are bright, she is alert to all that is going on around her. I love her with all my heart. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted September 26, 2014 Share Posted September 26, 2014 I'm so sorry she isn't better. Quote Star aka Starz Ovation (Ronco x Oneco Maggie*, litter #48538), Coco aka Low Key (Kiowa Mon Manny x Party Hardy, litter # 59881), and mom in IllinoisWe miss Reko Batman (Trouper Zeke x Marque Louisiana), 11/15/95-6/29/06, Rocco the thistledown whippet, 04/29/93-10/14/08, Reko Zema (Mo Kick x Reko Princess), 8/16/98-4/18/10, the most beautiful girl in the whole USA, my good egg Joseph aka Won by a Nose (Oneco Cufflink x Buy Back), 09/22/2003-03/01/2013, and our gentle sweet Gidget (Digitizer, Dodgem by Design x Sobe Mulberry), 1/29/2006-11/22/2014, gone much too soon. Never forgetting CJC's Buckshot, 1/2/07-10/25/10. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbhounds Posted September 26, 2014 Share Posted September 26, 2014 Oh no. I'm sorry. I have been in exactly your shoes and I know heart wrenching it is. Making that final decision is so incredibly difficult. My only advice for you is to go with what's within your heart. I'll be thinking of you <3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hikinghounds Posted September 26, 2014 Share Posted September 26, 2014 Oh gosh, I'm so so sorry. I know it's so hard to be in this situation. Whatever decision you make she will always know how much you love her. Frappy, and you, are in my thoughts today. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EllenEveBaz Posted September 28, 2014 Share Posted September 28, 2014 <<I love her with all my heart. >> She knows this, with all of her heart. Quote Ellen, with brindle Milo and the blonde ballerina, Gelsey remembering Eve, Baz, Scout, Romie, Nutmeg, and Jeter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vjui Posted September 30, 2014 Author Share Posted September 30, 2014 I've been off GT for a few days as I was out of town. Last Friday we were ready to help Frappy cross the bridge. The situation looked sad: the doctors couldn't seem to stop the infection and the surgeon was recommending amputation of her limb. She was a poor anesthetic candidate, being so compromised, and with the immunosuppressive drugs, the wound would never heal. Friday morning we got a call from the doctor. "Well, let's just say it didn't get any worse last night" was the news. At that point, that felt like pretty good news to us. The surgeon backed of his recommendation, stating it would be okay to defer the decision for a day. We just let it ride. During the weekend, they continued the IV antibiotics and cut down her immunosuppressants. The doctors called us twice daily to let us know how she was doing. The swelling started to go down, she started to predictably put the paw down and was eating and drinking. Last night when we came back, we went to see her. She was like a new dog: the paw and leg were nearly normal sized and the drainage slowed and stopped. We were ready to take her home!!!! Until....we got a phone call this morning: she had 3 seizures last night. I talked to the neurologist this morning. He is concerned that there is something in the brain we are missing. In his experience, usually with a myelitis/meningitis, the dog responds to steroids and immunosuppressants and then you can decrease the meds. The fact that she is having breakthrough seizures may indicate there is something more is going on. I was concerned that she would not survive another general anesthetic. I know she has lost even more weight this time around and I know we are at least 11 lbs. down from her normal weight. Dr. Berry suggests taking her home and letting her "recover" from this crisis. Then bring her back for an MRI at a later date--we are talking weeks down the road. What do you guys think? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbhounds Posted September 30, 2014 Share Posted September 30, 2014 I think it would be good to know if you're dealing with a brain tumor at this point. Is she still taking phenobarbital or any other anticonvulsants? I understand the weight loss-pred just melts muscle mass off of our guys--do they want to wait assuming she'll gain some weight back or to just let her body rest some?? Just to put your mind at some ease--dogs with brain tumors can be safely anesthetized --I've been down that road :-(. Some drugs can increase intracranial pressure creating other issues but, I'm sure she'll be in very capiible hands and she will be monitored very carefully. Sorry this has been such a bumpy road for you both--she's one tough cookie. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hikinghounds Posted October 1, 2014 Share Posted October 1, 2014 Gosh, I'm happy to see that Frappy's leg improved, I've been thinking of her a lot! But, of course sorry to hear about the seizures. She has definitely had a rough time and must be super strong. How big were the seizures? The other dogs, including Sara, that I've known about with this type of thing had to undergo many months of immune suppressant treatment. So, I think it would be unusual for them to want to decrease that so soon, if they are. I think it would be hard to decide how to proceed. I would also want to know what's going on, if it's something else or if the inflammation is just not controlled yet. I can't remember, did they do an MRI of her brain before? On the other hand I can see wanting to give her a break. Maybe ask them if or how doing an MRI now would change her treatment plan. You know Frappy best, so trust your intuition. How is she doing with her eating, walking, and alertness now? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hawthorn Posted October 1, 2014 Share Posted October 1, 2014 Sounds like in their (understandable) haste to get the infection under control they reduced the immunosuppressants too much too soon and this is what may have caused the relapse. If she were mine, I'd forget about the MRI for now, bring her home and ask about increasing the immunosuppressants again and reducing them much more slowly in future if possible. Getting the doses right can be quite a balancing act. You may find this forum useful: http://cimda.co.uk/smf/index.php particularly with regards to immunosuppressant doses/protocols. Jo provided an absolute wealth of information for me when my boy was ill and I am not sure he'd have survived without her ongoing help and support. FWIW, different condition (IMPA) but we were in a similar situation with our boy a couple of years ago. Emergency hospitalised twice, going from bad to worse in hospital with various complications, relapsed because the steroids were reduced too soon, told they suspected a tumour and offered MRI or euthanasia. We brought him home, learned about immunosuppressant drugs/protocols, advocated for him and nursed him back to health. His steroids were carefully reduced over a period of several months and he is still on a low dose today. Quote When a relationship of love is disrupted, the relationship does not cease. The love continues; therefore, the relationship continues. The work of grief is to reconcile and redeem life to a different love relationship. ~ W Scott Lineberry Always Greyhounds Home Boarding and Greyhounds With Love House Sitting Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MP_the4pack Posted October 1, 2014 Share Posted October 1, 2014 She sounds like a fighter. Take it day by day. Many time people have said "they let me know it was time". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vjui Posted October 1, 2014 Author Share Posted October 1, 2014 Latest update: she had yet another seizure after I posted yesterday. Talked to the neurologist. He is concerned. We both agreed to move up the timetable to get the MRI. She is getting it done today. Last night she was clearly stressed. She looked so different than the day before. Her tail was tucked under her legs, she was shaking, panting, drooling. Her eyes were glazed, and she was very wobbly. She backed away from me, which broke my heart. I was hoping my presence would offer her comfort & security. Thank you, Hawthorn, for the link. It looks great. I understand the doctor's dilemma: she was so immunosuppressed that she couldn't mount any sort of immune response to fight the infection. So, at that point, the arm took priority. If she did not have this infection, she would still be at the higher dose of immunosuppressants. That being said, it was a very scary wake up call for both us and the medical team. We can't wrap her in bubble wrap for months!! I will keep you all posted with the results of the MRI. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remolacha Posted October 1, 2014 Share Posted October 1, 2014 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vjui Posted October 1, 2014 Author Share Posted October 1, 2014 Just got word from the neurologist. It is not good. She has a 3.6 cm mass in her brain, near the olfactory center. The mass effect and edema it is producing extends for over another 1 cm. It has the hallmarks of a meningoma. Because of its size, he does not feel he can improve her quality of life significantly. DH and I have decided to help her cross the bridge this evening. Thank you all for hanging in there with us and giving us encouragement and hope. We love her dearly and want her to be at peace now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MP_the4pack Posted October 1, 2014 Share Posted October 1, 2014 I'm SO SO Very sorry to hear the news. At least you know though, that there isn't any other option. You will have peace knowing that you made the right choice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hikinghounds Posted October 1, 2014 Share Posted October 1, 2014 Oh no, I am so sorry. I'm sure she knows how much you love her. She loves you too. I will be thinking of you all and sending peace to you and Frappy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3greys2cats Posted October 1, 2014 Share Posted October 1, 2014 I am so very sorry and truly heart broken for you. This has been such a horrible ordeal for Frappy and you, my thoughts and prayers are with you today. You did everything possible for her recovery and sometimes we have to let them go when there is no other alternative. Praying for a peaceful passing for Frappy, Sara will greet her there along with many other Angels, run free Frappy, pain free Quote Roberta & Michael with Furkids- Flower (Shasta Flowers 6/7/06) & Rascal the kitty - Missing our sweet angels - Max(M's Mad Max) 10/12/02 - 12/3/15, Sara (Sara Raves 6/30/01 - 4/13/12) Queenie & Pandora the kitties - gone but never forgotten Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remolacha Posted October 1, 2014 Share Posted October 1, 2014 (edited) I was hoping for better news Edited October 1, 2014 by Remolacha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted October 1, 2014 Share Posted October 1, 2014 I too was hoping for better news. I'm so sorry your darling girl has to leave you. Keeping you in my thoughts tonight. Quote Star aka Starz Ovation (Ronco x Oneco Maggie*, litter #48538), Coco aka Low Key (Kiowa Mon Manny x Party Hardy, litter # 59881), and mom in IllinoisWe miss Reko Batman (Trouper Zeke x Marque Louisiana), 11/15/95-6/29/06, Rocco the thistledown whippet, 04/29/93-10/14/08, Reko Zema (Mo Kick x Reko Princess), 8/16/98-4/18/10, the most beautiful girl in the whole USA, my good egg Joseph aka Won by a Nose (Oneco Cufflink x Buy Back), 09/22/2003-03/01/2013, and our gentle sweet Gidget (Digitizer, Dodgem by Design x Sobe Mulberry), 1/29/2006-11/22/2014, gone much too soon. Never forgetting CJC's Buckshot, 1/2/07-10/25/10. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neighsayer Posted October 2, 2014 Share Posted October 2, 2014 Hugs! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbhounds Posted October 2, 2014 Share Posted October 2, 2014 Damn it-I'm so sorry. Sadly I know what it's like to lose a fur baby to a meningioma. Sending a very big hug. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Victor Posted October 3, 2014 Share Posted October 3, 2014 I'm so sorry. Please take care. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bogangles Posted October 3, 2014 Share Posted October 3, 2014 I have been watching this thread and seen what you have been going through. I am so terribly sorry for your pain and your loss of Frappy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest nbgoat72 Posted October 5, 2014 Share Posted October 5, 2014 I strongly recommending sending out the test. I am a veterinarian that took in a very sick grey from the track w meningitis. Although blood tests neg for tick borne illness, CSF was positive for babesia!!!! She responded well. We are 4 years out now. I gazillion tests run on her! I strongly recommending sending out the test. I am a veterinarian that took in a very sick grey from the track w meningitis. Although blood tests neg for tick borne illness, CSF was positive for babesia!!!! She responded well. We are 4 years out now. I gazillion tests run on her! I strongly recommending sending out the test. I am a veterinarian that took in a very sick grey from the track w meningitis. Although blood tests neg for tick borne illness, CSF was positive for babesia!!!! She responded well. We are 4 years out now. I gazillion tests run on her! Ooh so sorry read on further in thread Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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